Chapter 68 : The Promise

*Ember*

His brow arched in curiosity, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "And what, pray tell, could that be?" he inquired, a mockingly polite smile tugging at his lips.

The air was heavy with tension as Lukas regarded me, his expression a mix of curiosity and amusement. But it was his eyes that gave him away. There was just the smallest flicker of doubt in his eyes, a thread of uncertainty that seemed to gnaw at his confidence.

“Well, Ember?”

I held his gaze.

"You didn't anticipate me making a deal with you," I replied, my voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions swirling within me.

His lips twitched. A mirthless chuckle escaped his lips. It turned to full-on laughter after a moment.

"A deal, you say? And why should I bother listening to your proposal, Ember?"

His words were dripping with a mockery that grated on my nerves, but I pushed down the surge of anger that threatened to bubble over. I had to control myself. I had to do this.

I paused and lo